Our research

The School of Veterinary Science, based in the Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, has one of the widest-ranging veterinary research programmes in the UK.

In the independent Research Excellence Framework (REF), The University of Liverpool had the top Veterinary School return for 4* overall research in the Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science unit of assessment. Our research was ranked joint 1st in the UK for world leading research environment and 3rd for world leading research.

The School of Veterinary Science employs over 70 academic staff, across four departments, who undertake a wide range of research activities. 

Our work encompasses a diverse but interlinked range of research areas from sustainable food systems, climate change and infectious animal disease and the interaction of human and animal health to veterinary pathology and forensics, farm and companion animal health and welfare. Our patient-based research is also linked to our first opinion practices and two referral hospitals.  

Our research is interdisciplinary and translational involving internal collaboration with other University of Liverpool departments including musculoskeletal research (osteoarthritis and tendinopathy) and mammalian behaviour.

We also have extensive external links with other academic institutions and industrial stakeholders. Our funding is continually growing, with income from research councils, industry and leading charitable foundations, as well as from the growing business and knowledge exchange services.

Our researchOur challenges

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/veterinary-science/research/research-areas/

Research areas

Within the School of Veterinary Sciences, we have researchers with expertise in a variety of disciplines ranging from molecular and insect vector laboratory-based work, to computer modelling and surveillance of animal disease and veterinary patient-based observational and interventional studies.

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/veterinary-science/research/patient-based-research/

Patient-based research

We undertake research that provides high-quality, evidence-based information about ways in which we can improve outcomes for veterinary patients and their owners. This encompasses farm, equine and small animal clinical-based research studies including clinical trials.

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/veterinary-science/research/educational-research/

Educational research

The Liverpool Veterinary Educational Research Group (LiVERG) promotes excellence in teaching and learning using evidence-based innovations. The group perform research covering a wide range of educational areas relating to veterinary science.

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/veterinary-science/research/research-opportunities/

Research opportunities

Our vibrant and active research culture provides numerous opportunities for individuals to undertake undergraduate and postgraduate research. This includes undergraduate studentship programmes, Doctoral and Masters degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas / Masters degrees in Veterinary Professional Studies or Veterinary Physiotherapy.

Research groups

We are based within the internationally renowned Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at the University of Liverpool. This provides us with access to cutting-edge research facilities and opportunities to collaborate with researchers in a variety of disciplines. For more details about research groups within the school, please visit our departmental pages below.

Our departmentsOur institutes

Livestock and One Health

Livestock and One Health

Research on the epidemiology of health and disease in populations and communities, antimicrobial resistance, changes in pathogens and spread of disease including the effects of climate change and sustainable food systems.

Small Animal Clinical Science

Small Animal Clinical Sciences

Research improving the lives of companion animals and the people who care for them by undertaking clinically relevant studies to provide high quality evidence about the ways in which the best patient outcomes can be achieved.

Equine Clinical Science

Equine Clinical Sciences

Evidence-based research to improve the health and welfare of horses by undertaking multidisciplinary, international collaborative research across a range of disease conditions.

Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology

Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology

Study of the morphological and functional structure of normal and pathologically altered organs and systems and their morbid conditions and causative agents. 

Case studies

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/research/research-themes/infectious-diseases/one-health/

One Health approaches to antimicrobial resistance

The University of Liverpool is taking a 'One Health' approach, encompassing human, animal and environmental impact.

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/ref/our-impact/equine-laminitis/

Equine laminitis - changing veterinary practice

A team of researchers have proved the importance of the endocrine disorders that cause laminitis, which has had a major impact on the equine pharmaceutical industry, informing laminitis awareness initiatives.

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/health-and-life-sciences/research/impact/pet-obesity/

Improving recognition, management and prevention of obesity in dogs and cats

The University of Liverpool have developed novel therapeutic weight loss diets accompanied by evidence-based, veterinarian-led weight management protocols. These interventions together result in sustained weight loss, improved mobility and improved quality of life.

Collaborate with us

If you are interested in supporting our research or would like to collaborate with us, please email vetsresearch@liverpool.ac.uk